Whether it’s routine or an emergency, sometimes you need a good plumber. Fortunately, we’ve found many excellent plumbing outfits in the area, including many that not only rate best for quality work, but also are among the lowest in price.

Because homeowners insurance writers offer roughly the same coverage, price comparisons are easier than they would be if each company sold a unique product. But keep in mind that standard policy limits can vary from company to company.

In our surveys of area consumers who have used electricians, too many comments include the words “incompetent,” “no-show,” “overcharged,” and “unresponsive.” Although our ratings reveal outfits to avoid, they also identify several you can count on.